=Astrid's POV=
{Friday, April 1, 2022-5:45 pm}
(Archia Isle; Archia General Hospital)
Technically I'm not supposed to fly Stormfly alone without a licensed adult dragon rider, but this was an emergency and if anyone was going to rush Hiccup to the hospital; it was going to be me for sure. Who was going to argue with me? Stoick was the Mayor of Archia Isle, and Hiccup was his son. Stormfly as a Deadly Nadder has the second fastest speed next to a Night Fury; it made sense for me to take Hiccup on dragon back to receive help. I flew Stormfly as fast as I could from Dragon Island to Archia Isle, then onward to the hospital. Upon arriving, Stormfly landed at the emergency department as I looked into the windows to see workers there.
"Hey! Hey; I need help out here!" I called, trying to signal them to come out. One reception working noticed and let others know. A few came out as I checked on Hiccup; he was still unconscious.
"What's wrong?" a nurse inquired.
"This is Stoick and Valka Haddock's son, Hiccup Haddock, and he needs help…Like now," I pleaded.
"What happened to him?" a doctor questioned.
"If you can believe it…Hiccup battled a Red Death on Dragon Island no more than an hour and fifteen minutes ago," I enlightened as they stopped quickly to look at me in surprise. I became angry now. "DETAILS LATER! HELP HIM!" I demanded. Not wasting any more time, the team worked together to get Hiccup inside on a temporary bed with wheels; then rush him inside the emergency room for treatment. I got Stormfly in one of the open stables and assured her everything was going to be okay. I asked the staff to get her some fish, water, and a few chicken legs for her; then I left to get inside and check on Hiccup's status.
"Are you the girl who brought in the Mayor's son?" asked a female voice. I nodded once. "Can you tell me what happened?" she added afterward.
"Hiccup found a Red Death on Dragon Island and battled it. In the end, he drove the dragon into the ground face first; the beast exploded. All we saw from the ground was Hiccup, and his dragon fall unconscious into the blast. After it cleared, we found Hiccup in his Night Fury's wings unconscious. I rushed him here on my dragon," I explained the easiest way I could.
The female typed in some information on her computer, then glanced over her glasses to me. "Did he wake at all during the transport?"
"No," I shook my head. "I-Is he alright?"
"I haven't heard anything yet. Now, who are you?" the woman inquired.
"As-Astrid Hofferson…I-I'm living with the Haddocks right now," I replied.
"Where are Mayor Haddock and his wife?" she wondered.
"They should be on their way; I rushed ahead for Hiccup's sake…I have a Nadder; she's fast and could get us here before the others were ready to depart," I responded softly.
"I see. How much can you tell me about Hiccup?" she asked.
"Probably basic information…" I shrugged.
"Give me what you can when I ask, and when his parents arrive; I'll retrieve the rest," the receptionist said. I nodded and took a breath. I didn't know how long this would take, but at least it was something to keep me from sitting around and worrying about Hiccup while he was likely in surgery. Hiccup's leg from below the knee was gone and had been bleeding lightly. Gobber did what he could to tie it off, and I had Stormfly go as fast as she could to get Hiccup here at the hospital. The question remained, though, when did he lose the leg? Hiccup had it when he fell of Toothless and into the inferno below. I guess I'd have to wait and see what the doctor says about it.
. . .
{6:20 pm}
(AGH Waiting Area)
I was only able to provide birthday, allergies, height, and weight. I gave a long description of how the battle with Red Death went, but that was all I could do. Stoick and Valka had the rest of the Hiccup's information, and I was sure they'd be coming soon. As I had Hiccup taken care of; Stoick and Spitelout were working on getting everyone to their dragons, then returning to Archia Isle. I was sure some injured people would be coming to the hospital, and the rest would be going home. Everyone would hear of this, what Hiccup did for the island. I had a strong feeling that everyone would also want to know if Hiccup is okay. The guy defeated a legendary dragon by himself with his Night Fury. This was something that would be big news once the story was released. Right now; I was worried for Hiccup, and my heart went out to Runa; Hiccup's little girl who likely had no idea what was happening because she was so young.
Right now, I'm sitting in one of the chairs that allowed me to see the emergency room doors when they opened, and hopefully, a doctor would be coming out to let me know how Hiccup was doing. I had messaged Valka, and let her know that Hiccup was taken right in, and I gave the check-in lady as much information as I could, but was now waiting for an update. I sat back in the chair, covering my face and entirely worried for Hiccup; I still couldn't believe he took Toothless and the two of them defeated Red Death together. One thing that kept running across my mind was that Hiccup kissed my cheek right before he took off. I didn't understand why, but I wanted too. It seemed I would have to wait for Hiccup to be out of surgery and awake to do that. Oh, and ask when we were alone. I know everyone saw it, but I felt it should be a private conversation between them.
"Astrid!" Valka said as I sat up quickly to see Stoick and Valka rush into the emergency room. Gobber, Spitelout, Frida, Snotlout, Alvin, Termagant, Fishlegs, and Adelaide hurried in afterward. Following them, a moment later was Dagur, Heather, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut.
"How is he?" Stoick asked.
"I-I don't know. I haven't heard anything since I got here at 5:45 pm; they took Hiccup right into surgery. I had to talk to the receptionist about Hiccup's information, but I couldn't give much more than the basics," I stated softly.
"We'll figure out what's happening. Thank you, for getting him here so quickly," Valka hugged me; I returned it.
"Let me know?" I asked.
"Of course," Stoick nodded as the two of them walked towards the check-in desk to see about getting some information. I sat back down, sighing.
"Any word?" came Eret's voice. I looked over to see Eret, Camicazi, Ragna, Nadia, and Thuggory entering slowly and quietly.
"Nothing yet, lads and lasses," Gobber informed calmly.
"Are you okay, Astrid?" Heather moved beside me, offering comfort, which I appreciated. However, I didn't think I could relax at all until I knew how Hiccup was doing.
"I just want to know if he's alright…" I lowered my head.
"We'll know soon," Spitelout stated.
"Everything is gonna be okay, Astrid. Hiccup's pretty tough; it'll be a fight to adjust and recover, but Hiccup can do it, and we'll be right here if he needs a little help," Dagur reminded. I nodded to him as we all found a place to sit or lean against. Now, it was a waiting game for any updates.
. . .
{7:15 pm}
(Archia General Hospital)
It had been an hour and a half since I arrived with Hiccup to get him help. All of us were taking up the waiting area in hopes of an update on Hiccup, who had been in surgery since I brought him here. I assumed that no one was leaving until we knew for sure. There were too many people to visit Hiccup, but we'd all take turns once we learned the allowed limit of people inside the room. I knew Hiccup would be in for a long recovery; his leg was gone. That alone would take time to heal, then work in physical therapy with a prosthetic to walk again. I didn't know if Hiccup knew about his leg being taken off or not; it appeared Hiccup was unconscious when falling into the explosion. Even Toothless was out of it for a bit. Toothless was currently in Haddock Stables resting due to the fight; he escaped unscathed.
Stoick and Valka hadn't gotten much of an update other than Hiccup still being in surgery, but they heard the biggest of the injuries was the leg, and that is what was taking the most time to fix up the best that could be done. Runa was at the hospital now; Valka went home to get her because she got extremely fussy if she didn't see her father for too long. Even if Hiccup was knocked out; Runa seeing him would make it a bit better because she'd know he was close. Everyone was somewhat tired but refused to leave until they knew something. The vending machines had gotten used a lot for snacks and drinks as it was after dinner time; it wasn't much, but enough to subside some of the hunger and thirst while waiting. There had been a little chatter; I heard Stoick, Gobber, Alvin, and Spitelout talking a bit about things. Valka was worried, but holding Stoick's hand for comfort.
The teen females were sitting, some of the males were, and the rest were leaning against walls. I hated this so much; it wasn't fair. Hiccup is an amazing man who has put his life on the line to protect me since January, and tonight; he almost died protecting every resident on Archia Isle. I heard a door push open as all figures waiting for news on Hiccup stood, and were on alert as the doctor made his way towards them.
"All here for Hiccup Haddock?" the man inquired. Valka and Stoick hurried over quickly.
"Yes, but we're his parents. How is my baby?" Valka asked with concern. The doctor seemed uncertain in revealing details with so many present.
"Everyone here is family or friend; they are okay," Stoick informed.
"It's a protocol that we tell next of kin, and you may relay the information if you wish. Only because there are so many," the man stated.
"We just want to know if Hiccup is okay," I stepped closer now. "Please?"
The doctor sighed. "Yes, he is. It will be a long recovery, but I'm sure with some work, love, and support; Hiccup will be alright with time," I breathed a sigh of relief. "Mr. and Mrs. Haddock, why don't you come with me and we can talk more,"
"Yes, of course," Stoick nodded.
"Why don't the rest of us head home. I'm sure Stoick and Valka will let us know. It's been a long night for everyone," Gobber stated to the others.
"I agree," Spitelout said.
"Snotlout, Adelaide…Let's go," Frida added.
"We should go too, big brother," Heather frowned. "Astrid, will you let us know?"
I nodded to her quietly, and Heather hugged me tightly, then Dagur did too. "We'll go as well," Camicazi informed.
"Yeah, send us a text or give a call when you know more?" Eret enlightened.
"I will," I replied quietly. I didn't want to leave yet, not until I knew more. Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut left shortly after the Jorgensons did. Eret, Nadia, Camicazi, Thuggory, and Ragna said their goodbyes and departed at 7:20 pm. All that remained now were Stoick, Valka, Gobber, and I. Oh, and Runa in Valka's arms fast asleep.
"You two are going to remain here?" Valka asked. "We don't mind you coming; we just couldn't have everyone,"
"We'll come, Val," Gobber nodded. I felt immensely grateful that Valka and Stoick said we could join them with the doctor to find out more about Hiccup.
"Come, we'll talk in my office," the doctor began to turn away. I walked next to Gobber behind Stoick and Valka who followed the doctor.
. . .
Reaching the office, the doctor allowed all four of us to enter before himself; then he closed the door and took a seat at his desk with a folder under his arm that got placed on the desk shortly after. "I believe introductions are in order. I am Dr. Colden Kongur; I headed Hiccup's surgery when he arrived,"
"Give it to us straight, Doc," Gobber informed.
Dr. Kongur sighed. "Your son sustained a severe injury to his left leg, which as you know, was removed before he arrived here,"
"We found him with no leg, Doctor," Valka stated gently.
"Yes, I was made aware by the entry nurse who spoke with Miss. Hofferson about what had happened. An injury of this magnitude should have had more bleeding, like a soldier stepping on an IED if you would," Dr. Kongur said.
"We were a bit surprised ourselves," Stoick nodded. "But the state you saw the nub in is how we found him after the battle," he added.
"Well, I am not sure of how the limb got removed, but it was a clean break from below the knee. There was minimal bleeding, and the wound appeared to be slightly cauterized upon his arrival here. Miss. Hofferson mentioned a large explosion that Hiccup fell into, yet his dragon had Hiccup in his wings. I assume the heat of the fire may have had something to do with why the nub had been cauterized, and there was light bleeding," Dr. Kongur enlightened.
"But he will be alright, yes?" Valka asked.
"In due time, Mrs. Haddock. We were able to stop the bleeding and close the injury. It will take some time to heal before young Hiccup can try physical therapy, but it may be possible that he get around with a wheelchair or crutches while the nub heals," Dr. Kongur said.
"We understand. I take it he will need a prosthetic?" Gobber asked.
"In the beginning stages, we'll work with the remainder of the leg to strengthen the muscles a bit and then we'll use a standard prosthetic to get Hiccup walking again with putting weight on the nub. This will become easier the more he works with it. Following that; he will begin getting fitted for a prosthetic best suited to him," Dr. Kongur explained.
"And were there any other wounds that will take time to heal?" Valka wondered.
"No. Everything else is a few light burns, bruising, and scratches; all of those will heal with little to no scarring within a week, maybe two. There is nothing to worry about with those injuries. And we are giving him pain medication to help with any discomfort he may be feeling. However, there is one other significant thing that puts the physical recovery in standby shall we say," Dr. Kongur looked at all of us gravely, and we became concerned fast.
"And that is?" I dared to ask.
"Hiccup is in a coma," Dr. Kongur said firmly as we all gasped. "And I'm sure you know that we can't determine how long it will last,"
"What can you tell us about the coma? How bad?" Gobber tried.
"Well, he didn't sustain any brain damage other then what I assume was a hard fall even in the protection of his dragons' wings. His breathing is normal, and there is brain activity even if there is no movement or response on the outside. Our scan shows that his brain is processing sounds and touch, but he can't reciprocate them if you would. We believe that the coma was…Self-induced because of what occurred. So we feel that with a little time; Hiccup will ultimately wake up after his body has recovered a bit," Dr. Kongur informed calmly.
"But he will wake up?" Stoick asked.
"Yes," Dr. Kongur nodded. "There is no telling when, but we will continue to monitor for signs of Hiccup waking up. Most of this is done by scans, talking to him, and seeing if he responds by moving his hand, tightening it around someone else's," he added.
"Of course," Stoick replied understanding.
"And will his memory be intact?" Valka questioned.
"Well, there is no way of knowing that officially until Hiccup wakes up. However, it's my personal opinion that once he's awake; it should start coming to him. As I said; there were no head injuries other than some scrapes and light burns. Nothing has affected Hiccup's brain; it's more of waking up and remembering what happened before he knocked out. Think of it as a bad hangover only he'll be out for a bit longer than the night, and when he wakes up; it will take some time for him to recall the events before," Dr. Kongur informed.
"That is some relief," I put a hand over my heart, relieved that Hiccup would be okay.
"Can we see the lad?" Gobber inquired.
"Until 10 pm, yes, that is when visiting hours end. And they start again at 8 am. Also, I know that the group from before will want to visit; the limit of the room is eight at eight at one time," Dr. Kongur reminded.
"Understood," Stoick responded. Colden stood up as did Valka, Stoick, Gobber, and myself. The man led us out of his office and into the ICU or Intensive Care Unit on the 3rd floor. I figured Hiccup would be there given that the nurses and doctors would have to monitor the coma to make sure Hiccup was alright night and day until he woke up. I assumed that once Hiccup was awake, and showing signs of improvement; they may move him to a different room until he was cleared to go home. There was no telling when that would be, so I guess it would be more waiting and observing to discover the answer.
. . .
{7:50 pm}
(Archia General; ICU # 3005)
Reaching the room; I felt myself grow nervous but composed myself to go inside with Gobber, Stoick, and Valka. Dr. Kongur opened the door as we looked inside to see Hiccup lying motionless on the bed in hospital wear under the covers. Hiccup was hooked up to an IV, heart, pulse, and blood pressure monitors. Also, it appeared Hiccup had oxygen too. Hiccup was a little scuffed up on the face and arms; we could see where his left leg was missing even though Hiccup's lower half was under the blanket. The only sounds of the rooms were the oxygen and steady beeping from the machines. I could hear Valka becoming a little sniffly, though; it had to be hard for her to see Hiccup like this. It was hard for everyone because this was the after-effects of a battle we all witnessed hours ago.
"Dada…" Runa said tiredly. I could see her reaching for Hiccup, and it broke my heart that Hiccup couldn't reach back to hold her.
"Everything will be okay, Val," Stoick consoled his wife. I stood at the foot of the bed, staring at Hiccup and just praying he woke up soon. Gobber was on the right of Hiccup, calling him a hero for what he did and that he needed to recover fast so we could celebrate the victory. Leave it to Gobber to find even half a reason to smile right now, but I felt it was Gobber's way of not allowing anyone to see how worried he was for his Godson and unofficial nephew.
"I-I'll hold Runa for you, Mrs. Haddock… I offered.
"Thank you, Astrid," Stoick said as he handed Runa to me from Valka. Afterward. Valka went right to Hiccup's left side to hold his hand and kiss his forehead.
"My brave boy," Valka sobbed a bit as I bounced Runa in my arms slightly to keep her content and calm; it was something I had seen Hiccup do with her often. Stoick stood next to Valka with his head down; entirely blaming himself for this.
"I was a fool; I should have listened to Hiccup when he said it was too dangerous…I'm so sorry, son…" Stoick closed his eyes, his hand on Hiccup's gently.
Please let him be alright when he wakes up… I prayed with my head towards the ceiling. Hours later at 9:50 pm, a nurse came in to check Hiccup's vitals, and remind us visiting hours were about to end. Valka, Stoick, and Gobber said their goodbyes, and that we'd be back tomorrow morning. Valka took Runa from me as I put my hand on Hiccup's softly, trying not to cry. "Keep fighting to get back us," I said lightly before leaning over to kiss his cheek; then I backed up to leave with the others.
"It's in the hands of the Gods now," Gobber said as we exited the room.
